Moviefone 5: Horror Movie Remakes That Don't Suck

This weekend, the gore-slicked "Evil Dead" remake crawls its way into theaters nationwide. And even if you have no idea what "Evil Dead" is, you probably have the vague understanding that it's a remake (or "reboot," as the kids are calling it these days). It is, in fact, a remake of a beloved cult classic from 1981 (and incorporates elements from its two equally cultish sequels - 1987's "Evil Dead II" and 1992's "Army of Darkness").

So, of course, when hearing that it's a remake (especially a remake of a beloved horror movie), the initial response is to assume that it sucks. Because, well, most horror remakes are horrible.

But not all horror remakes suck! Which is a big distinction to keep in mind. Some even (gasp!) improve upon the original in some pretty profound ways. In fact, we've rounded up five of the very best horror remakes to scientifically prove, once and for all, that not all horror remakes suck. (Keep in mind that no science was actually involved in the creation of this list.)

Few Americans saw the brilliant 2008 Swedish vampire movie "Let the Right One In," despite the fact that it was totally amazing. More (but still not too many) saw the remake, directed by "Cloverfield's" Matt Reeves and produced by a revamped Hammer Studios, which had previously been responsible for all those awesome Christopher Lee / Peter Cushing horror movies back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The remake, now titled, simply, "Let Me In," retained the original's period setting and the star-crossed lovers motif but eerily transplanted the action from snowy Sweden to snowy Los Olmos, New Mexico. What's more is that much of the fat of the original (including a ludicrous subplot that culminated in a goofy "cat attack" sequence) is gone, replaced by a streamlined sleekness. The remake also has a visual inventiveness lacking from the starker original and is more openly political. It also features a beautifully haunting score by composer Michael Giacchino.